Category archive: Soccer

WASHINGTON -- After struggling mightily to score goals consistently during much of the Jurgen Klinsmann era, it's understandable that much of the talk following the national team's 4-3 triumph over Germany on Sunday centered on the Americans' offensive explosion. If you listened closely to what Klinsmann and his players had to say after the match, though, it's clear that defense remains an even bigger concern heading into the Yanks' three pivotal World Cup qualifiers this month, the first of which is in Jamaica against the Reggae Boyz on Friday.

"We still gave up three goals -- that part of it is not good enough," center back Matt Besler said outside the U.S. locker room at RFK Stadium. "We still have a ton to work on."

Insider

ESPN TOP HEADLINES

MORE FROM THE WEB

ABOUT THIS BLOG

U.S. National Soccer Team BlogWe're your regular source for all the inside info on the U.S. national team. Whether it's breakdowns of player pool developments, news and notes from the club soccer world and its impact on the American side, or game coverage, we'll bring you consistent, exclusive access and insight. Contact us with comments and tips at ESPNUSSoccerblog@gmail.com.

Doug McIntyreDoug McIntyre has watched or attended almost every U.S. national team game since Paul Caligiuri's "shot heard 'round the world" in 1989. He is a staff writer for ESPN The Magazine and has covered American and international soccer since 2002.